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No. 623,408: Patented Apr. l8, I899. J. LACUSTE.

MACHINE FOR MAKING CIGARS.

(Application filgd Mar. 10, 1896.)

3 shee1ssheet I.

(No M64190 In were 207.

n mmm PETERS co. mmaumo Y WASNINGTO No. 623,406. Patented Apr. l8, I899.-

.1. LACOSTE.

MACHINE FOR MAKING CIGARS.

(Application filed Mat. 10, 1896.)

3 Shpets8heet 2.

(No Model.)

No. 623,406. Patented Apr. I8, I899.

J. LACOSTE.

MACHINE FOR MAKlNG CIGARS.

(Application filed Mar. 10, 1896.)'

(No Model.) 3 Sheets-Sheet 3.

In en for Wiineasea. I

ilwrrn -TATES PATENT Erica.

JOSEPH LAOOSTE, OF BRUSSELS, BELGIUM.

MACHINE FOR MAKING CIGARS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 623,406, dated April 18, 1899.

Application filed March 10, 1896. Serial No. 582,627. (No model.)

To all whmn it may concern:

Be it known that I, JOSEPH LAOOSTE, engineer, a subject of the King of Belgium, residing at Brussels, in the Kingdom of Belgium, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Machines for Making Cigars, (for which patents have been obtained in Belgium, dated August 10,1895, No. 116,948; in Germany, dated September 14, 1895, No. 16,626 of certificate; in France, dated February 3, 1896, No. 240,948 of certificate; in Italy, dated February 4, 1896, No. of certificate; in Great Britain, dated February 5, 1896, No. 2,376; in Luxemburg, dated February 4, 1896, No. 2,446; in Sweden, dated February 10, 1896, No. 160 of certificate; in Denmark, filed February 10, 1896, issued November 30, 1896, No. 858; in Norway, February 10, 1896, No. 7,331 of certificate; in Spain, filed February 10, 1896, issued May 29, 1896, No. 18,649; in Switzerland, (Helvetia,) dated February 10, 1896, No. 12,847,) of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to machines for making cigars-that is to say, for wrapping the interior with its envelop and giving the same any desired formand is characterized in principle by the mode of operation by means of which the rolling of the cigars is effected by the means designed to give it the rotation requisite for the application of the wrapper. I seek to cause the operation to be as similar as possible to handwork, and thus to facilitate the manufacture not only of cigars of good shape and appearance, but also with a proper division of the tobacco, so as to produce cigars having a good draft and which can be pleasantly smoked.

The construction of my machine is illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure 1 is a front view of the entire machine; Fig. 2, a partial view of the machine. Figs. 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 are side views, partially in section, of the working mechanism of the machine. Fig. 8 is a longitudinal section of the mechanism. Fig. 9 is a plan view of the machine; Fig. 10, a sectional longitudinal elevation of the driving mechanism; Fig. 11, a sectional view of the same. Fig. 12 represents in front elevation certain details of the driving-pulley, and Fig. 13 shows a detail of the mechanism.

In all the above views corresponding parts are represented by the same letters of reference In the cigar-rolling machine forming the subject of this invention the rollingis not effected in a continuous manner; but it is effected intermittently, and for this purpose the mechanism selected is characterized by having two jaws M, provided with smooth working faces, which receive the cigar between them and close and open alternately I upon it, while at the same time they partake of an ascending and descending alternate motionthat is to say, the jaws M rise at one side while they descend at the other side-- and are thus at one time in an open position and at another time in a closed position, and with them rotates the cigar intermittentlyin the same direction.

The jaws M possess the peculiarity of not being constructed each one in a single piece presenting a hollow conformable to the profile of the cigar, but of being composed of several jaws placed longitudinally together, being curved conformable to the said profile and leaving between theman opening of a certain width. In the present example there are two jaws M M on each side; consequently four in all. This longitudinal division has for its object not only to obtain intermediate spaces for the passage of other parts of the apparatus, but the arrangement of multiple jaws materially assists the perfection of the manufacture by distributing the pressure of the jaws through the whole length of the cigar. Between the jaws M is fixed at a suitable height the base F, of rectangular section, which, together with the jaws, forms a mold open at the top and which thus gives absolutely free access to the cigar placed within the same. The base F also serves to guide the jaws laterally in their closed position.

When the jaws open in their ascending and descending movements, during which period the rotation of the cigar is stopped to prevent the covering leaf or wrapper from unrolling and the body of the cigar from coming to pieces, it is necessary that the cigar must be secured during temporary stoppages, and for this purpose there are placed around the mold three pairs of clips P, which work in the apertures between the jaws, two of which are at the back part and one at the middle of the cigar, which grips it from both sides. In addition thereto is the finger D of the same shape as the clips P, but slightly larger and secured to the shaft A. The two arms of each pair of clips P open and close simultaneously like the jaws, but alternately therewith-that is to say, they open and set free the cigar while the jaws grip and roll the same, and they again close and hold the cigar during the time corresponding to the opening of the jaws.

In addition to these working parts there is a third mechanism which has for its object to hold the covering-leaf in its place at the very moment of its application; consequently at the moment of the introduction of one of its ends in the mold. It is placed between the two rear clips P and consists of a small sleeve m, forming two halves of a ring which separate under the action of a flat spring 0*, but which can be'closed upon and will hold the covering-leaf under the action of suitable means. The closing and opening motions of the sleeve holding the wrapper are effected simultaneously with those of the jaws, so that it cannot obstruct the rotary motion given by the jaws.

The mold is completed in front by an open semiconical piece K, which is fixed to the frame and in which forms the tip of the cigar, supplied at this point with a little gum by means of a squirt or other suitable arrangement for the purpose.

During the rolling of the cigar the finger D advances lightly under the point and keeps it always in the exact position; but this finger is drawn back upon the ejection of the cigar from the mold. Upon the part K is mounted a little knife 0, which has a to-and-fro motion corresponding to that of the jaws and which serves to shear the leaf, cutting all of the edges thereof which might project. A larger knife 0, which is actuated by hand, advances laterally upon the cigar and serves to cut the rear end so as to trim it to the exact length, the cigar being then fully formed. Thereafter it is thrown out of the mold by the ejec- I01, which consists of two rods T T, which traverse vertically the base F, with which their upper ends are normally on a level, while the opposite ends are supported by a forked lever, which makes them project at the desired moment.

The control of the jaws, the clips, and the leaf-holder is effected by means of eccentrics and cams arranged and actuated by the principal shaft A.

The alternate ascending and descending motion of the jaws M M is effected by the two I eccentrics E E, Figs. 4 and 8, placed in opposition to each other vertically upon the shaft A, and each of the eccentric-rodsB is articulated to a shaft a, upon which the jaws M are pivoted and which bears at it's ends studs 9 g, guided in suitable ways in the frame 13, Fig. 8. A similar arrangement being situated at each side of the machine'and the jaws of the same side being secured to the same shaft, it is obvious that they rise and fall alternately on each side of the base E, which serves, moreover, as a guide to them when they are closed.

The opening and closing motion of the jaws is obtained by means of a cam mechanism G v G, with opposing springs R R, Figs. 3 to 8. The cams keyed upon the shaft A separate the levers L L and cause the jaws M M to open,'while they are closed by means of the springs R B. Each lever is provided with an adjustable face Z, having an adjustingscrew t, whereby wear may be taken up.

The clips P and finger I), which have only the motion of opening and closing and which for this purpose are keyed upon the shafts A A, pivoted on each side ofthe machine in slots in the frame B, are actuated simultaneously by a similar cam mechanism, which consists of the levers L, which are secured to the shafts A A and engage with the cams G G, which open them by acting upon the controlling-bars c c, Fig. 6. A single spring R secured to the levers L L, serves to draw the latter together and close the clips P. The clips P P can also be opened by a motion independent of that of the cams, preferably by means of the two auxiliary levers L L the ends of which are bent around and placed between the pins 0 c, secured to the levers L, and the lower ends of which are secured to the auxiliary shafts A A connected to gether by the two pieces I) b, Fig. 4, of which one is formed upon the end of the lever L connected by a bar T to the controlling-bar T actuated by hand by means of the knob B A flat cam 19 engages with the frictionroller g and presses down the rod T, and thereby causes the clips P to open. By my device they can be opened at will at any n10- ment of the manufacture if it be necessary.

The leaf-holding sleeve m, which opens and closes alternately with the jaws at the same time that it turns intermittently with the cigar, receives its various movements of rotation and closing by means of two racks C O, rigidly supported in connection with the co: centric-straps E E, keyed in horizontal opposition upon the shaft A. In this manner the sleeve m, being surrounded by a toothed crown C and expanding under the influence of the spring 7", engages with the racks when the eccentrics remove them from the middle position while turning in the open positions The blade 0 for the trimming of the point of the cigar advances toward the point at each turn of the shaft A by means of the mechanism shown in Fig. 7, which consists of a bent lever I pivoted upon one of the shafts A and bearing at its lower end a friction-wheel g which rolls upon a corresponding groove of the driving-pulley P and which holds the knife 0 away from the point until the said wheel falls into the slot 6 of the groove under the pressure of the spring R which causes the knife to advance and remove the edge of the leaf presented at this moment. The operation of this mechanism can be suspended when desired by means of the lever L which engages by its lower end below the axis of the wheel g and raises the same upon the groove, when the camp and the disengaging rod T strike it and cause it to swing in the position indicated in the drawings in dotted lines. A similar cam 12 upon this rod causes the large knife 0 to advance, which is usually'held in its place by the spring R and causes it to cut the butt-end of the cigar while the cam p maintains the finger D raised. At this moment the clips P have been opened by means of the cam 19, as described, and the cam p strikes the lever L so as to raise the bars T and throw out the cigar. At this moment the whole machine stops automaticallyin position with all its parts open, and this stoppage in the desired position is effected by the automatic disengaging mechanism about to be described. On causing the shafts A to swing by means of the levers L L engaging with the cam G on the shaft A a cam 19 engages with the sloping finger t, pivoted above the lever L Figs. 8 and 13, and causes it to assume a vertical position and engage with the eccentric-straps E, which will press upon it, depressing the lever L". The lever L engages with the vertical lever L which in turn engages with a pin or plunger within an opening in the extremity of the shaft A. The inner end of the plug carries a pin or arm t, which passes through a slot in the walls of the shaft A and engages with a notch formed upon the face of the driving-pulley P. The lever L engages with the stud and, depressing the spring R disengages the pin t from the notch in the driving-pulley, which then turns loosely and the machine stops, with all its parts in the open position, as indicated. 0onsequently by returning the disengaging bar T to the right the bar 15 again swings, the spring R pushes back the stud t in the notch of the driving-pulley, and the machine starts again.

It is of course understood that the whole device is carried upon a stand at a convenient height to allow the operator to have all the parts of the machine within reach.

The source of power is preferably from a pedal, pitman, and fly-wheel, as in a sewingmachine, but any other source of power may be as well used.

The operation of the whole of the machine is sufficiently clear from what has been described to render a further explanation of its operation unnecessary.

Having now described my invention, what I claim as new therein, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is as follows:

1. In a machine for rolling cigars, a support for a cigar, jaws adjacent to the support and grasping a cigar, means for moving the said jaws toward and away from the said cigar, and means for causing the jaws to rise and fall, whereby the cigar will be caused to roll relatively to the jaws, substantially as set forth.

2. In a machine for rolling cigars, a support for a cigar, jaws adjacent to the support and grasping a cigar, a rotary shaft below said support, and connections between said shaft and said jaws, whereby said jaws will partake of a motion of ascent and descent and at the same time will move toward and away from the cigar, so that the cigar will be caused to roll relatively to the said jaws, sub. stantially as set forth.

3. In a machine for rolling cigars, a support for a cigar, jaws adjacent to the support and grasping a cigar, a rotating shaft below said support and carrying eccentrics thereon, connections between said eccentrics and jaws, whereby said jaws will partake of a motion of ascent and descent, and means operated by said shaft for causing said jaws to move toward and away from the cigar, so that the cigar will be caused to roll relatively to the cigar, substantially as set forth.

4. In a machine for rolling cigars, a support for a cigar, jaws adjacent to the support and grasping a cigar, a rotating shaft below said support, eccentrics upon said shaft, connections between said eccentrics and jaws, whereby said jaws will partake of a motion of ascent and descent, a cam or cams acting upon said jaws, and connections between said cam or cams and jaws whereby the said jaws will be moved toward and away from the cigar, whereby the cigar will be caused to roll relatively to the jaws, substantially as set forth.

5. In a machine for rolling cigars, a frame, a support for a cigar within said frame, an auxiliary shaft or shafts sliding in said frame, auxiliary jaws secured to said auxiliary shaft or shafts, a rotating shaft below said support, eccentrics mounted upon said shaft, connections between said eccentrics and auxiliary jaws, whereby the. said auxiliary jaws will partake of a motion of ascent and descent, a cam or cams secured to said rotating shaft, and connections between said cam or cams and jaws whereby the said jaws will partake of a motion toward and away from the cigar, whereby the cigar will be caused to roll relatively to the cigar, substantially as set forth.

6. In a machine for rolling cigars, a support for a cigar, jaws adjacent to the support and grasping a cigar, means for moving the said jaws toward and away from the cigar, and giving them a motion of ascent and descent,

whereby the said cigar will be intermittently rotated, clips adjacent to said cigar, and means for causing said clips to partake of a motion toward and away from the cigar, intermittent with that of the jaws, whereby the cigar will be grasped by said clips when released by said jaws and vice versa, substantially as set forth.

7. In a machine for rolling cigars, a support for a cigar, jaws and clips adjacent to said support, means for moving said jaws and clips, so that the cigar will be rolled between them, a spring-sleeve grasping the butt-end of a cigar, and means for rotating said clip intermittently, substantially as set forth.

8. In a machine for rolling cigars, a support for a cigar, jaws adjacent to said support, a two-part spring-sleeve surrounding the butt-end of a cigar and having teeth on its outer face or faces, of a rack or racks engaging with said teeth for imparting an intermittent rotary motion to the sleeve, substantially as set forth.

9. In a machine for rolling cigars, a support for a cigar, jaws adjacent to said support, a two-part spring-sleeve surrounding the butt-end of a cigar and having teeth on its outer face, of two racks each engaging with one part of said sleeve, and means consisting of eccentrics and straps engaging with said racks, whereby they will partake of a movement to open and close said sleeve and give it a rocking movement, whereby the cigar will partake of an intermittent rotary movement, substantially as set forth.

10. In amachine for rolling cigars, a frame, a support for a cigar adjacent to the upper part of said frame, jaws adjacent to the support and grasping a cigar, a rotating shaft below said support,eccentrics upon said shaft, connections between said eccentrics and jaws for moving said jaws, so that said jaws will partake of an up-and-down movement, cams upon said shaft, connections between said cams and jaws, whereby the jaws will partake of a movement toward and away from the cigar, a driving-pulley upon said shaft, and a clutch connection between said driving-pulley and shaft, whereby the shaft may be stopped independently of the driving-pulley, substantially as set forth.

11. In amachine for rolling cigars, a frame, a support for a cigar adjacent to the upper part of said frame, jaws adjacent to the support and grasping a cigar, a rotating shaft below said support,eccentrics upon said shaft, connections between said eccentrics and jaws for moving said jaws, so that said jaws will partake of an up-and-down movement, cams upon said shaft, connections between said cams and jaws, whereby the jaws will par take of a movement toward and away from the cigar, a driving-pulley upon said shaft, a clutch connection between said drivingpulley and shaft, and means for opening said clutch, whereby the shaft may be stopped independently of the driving-pulley, substantially as set forth.

12. In a machine for rolling cigars, a support for a cigar, jaws adjacent to said support and grasping a cigar, means for giving said jaws a motion of ascent and descent, means for moving said jaws toward and away from the cigar, clips arranged adjacent to said support and grasping a cigar, means for causing the clips to move toward and away from the cigar intermittently of the movement of the jaws, whereby a cigar will be rotated, a tip-former adjacent to said support and surrounding the tip of a cigar, an intermittently-moved knife for cutting olf the excess of tobacco from the tip of the cigar,and

means for operating said knife, substantially as set forth.

13. In a machine for rolling cigars, a support for a cigar, jaws and clips adjacent to said support and grasping a cigar, an ejector adjacent to said support and knife, and a manually-operated slide carrying cams thereon and which engage with said knife, and means for connecting the slide with the jaws, clips and ejector, whereby upon the slide being moved, theknife will be advanced to the cigar, the jaws and clip will open, and the ejector will move the cigar, substantially as set forth.

14. In a cigar-making machine, a support for holding a cigar and two or more sets of jaws on each side of said support, means for causing said jaws to partake of an up-anddown movement, and a movement toward and awayfrom the support, whereby the cigar will be held by one set of jaws while the other set is moving away from the cigar, and will partake of a continuous rolling motion, substantially as set forth.

15. In a machine for making cigars, a support for a cigar, comb-shaped jaws on each side of said support and supporting a cigar, a rotary shaft below said support, eccentrics upon said shaft, and connections between said eccentrics and jaws, whereby said jaws will partake of an up-and-down movement,

and a movement toward and away from the cigar, so that the cigar will be continuously rolled, substantially as set forth.

. JOSEPH LAOOSTE. Witnesses:

AUG. JoERIssnN, GREGORY PHELAN. 

